Rotary web-printing press



H. F. BECHIIAN.

ROTARY WEB PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED APR. I0, I9 9 J. QM

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APPLICATION FILED APR. I0, 1919, 1,437,707, Patented 'Dec. 5, 15122.

2 SHEE S- HEET 2.

(Juvzmtoz 7V @Zll Witness ll atentedl Dec. 5, lltl ZZ.

HENRY F. BECHMAN, OF BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN. ASSIGNDR, BY MESN'E ASSIGN- MENTS, T0 DETROIT TRUST COMPANY, TRUSTEE, A CORPORATIUN OF MICHIGAN.

ROTARY WEB-PRIZE TING PRESS.

Application filed April 10,

T 0 all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, HENRY F. BECH AN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Battle Creek, in the county of Calhoun and State of Michigam have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Rotary Web-Printing Presses; and I hereby declare that the following is a. full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form part of thls specification.

This invention is an improvement in rotary printing presses and has particular reference to printing presses for use in large newspaper ofiices, where the size of the paper frequently varies materially, and where a large output is constantly required.

The principal objects of the invention are to provide a press capable of producing a great variety of products in large quantities and at highspeed; to simplify and facilitate handling of the webs; to have the paper rolls, the printing sections and the folding mechanism on diflerent levels, the paper rolls-being on the uppermost or third level, the printing sections on the intermediate or second level, and the angle bars and folders on the first or lowermost level so that all the webs will run naturally downwardly and be assisted by gravity; also to enable various of the press sections to be-used together to produce quadruple, sextuple or octuple products, or in various other combinations, to produce products as desired without idly running any printing section; and to have the printing sections closely adjacent to the folders so that the leads of the webs from the printing sections to the folders will be very short. With the parts thus arranged any number or combinations of pages can be printed and assembled as one paper up to the capacity of the folders; i. e. any number of printing sections can be used together, for instance two, three, four, live or six sections, their association only being limited by the cutting capacity of the related folders.

Other novel features and advantages of the invention will be hereinafter pointed out; and to facilitate an understanding of the invention and enable others to adapt and use the same I will explain the invention in connection with the press diagrammatically 1919. Serial No. 289,060.

illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and summarize in the claims following the description the essentials of the invention and novel arrangements and combinations of parts for all of which protection is desired.

In said drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic sectional elevation of a rotary web-printing press embodying the invention, and showing how the webs may be led from the various printing sections when the press is used to produce a multiple of octuple products;

Figure 2 shows how the webs may be led when the press is used to produce a multiple of quad products.

Figure 3 shows how the webs may be led when the press is used to produce a multiple of sextuple products.

In the press shown in Fig. 1 I have indicated thirteen perfecting sections; but for the purpose of explanation I will consider the complete press as comprising twelve similar perfecting'sections, which are numbered 1 to 12 inclusive, Fig. 1; the thirteenth section (numbered 13) is indicated merely to show the capability of readily enhancing the total capacity of the press by adding additional sections.

Each perfecting printing section comprises two plate cylinders P, P, and co-acting impression cylinders I, I; and inking mechanisms 2', z" for the plate cylinders. Each section is preferably constructed alike and may be of any well known type. and adapted to use either single page tubular plates, or ordinary semi-cylindric plates. The plate cylinders may be two or more plates in length, according to the total desired capac ity of the section. Preferably the printing and inking mechanisms in each section are disposed in a substantially vertical plane so that the web may be led downwardly to and from the printing mechanism.

No inking mechanism for printing sec tions 5 to 13 inclusive is shown in Fig. 1; but it will be understood that these sections would have inking mechanisms like printing sections 1 to a inclusive. The inking mechanisms for any printing section could be of any desired kind that will properly dis tribute the ink and maintain a constant supply thereof to the plate cylinders of the related prin ing sections.

As shown the printing sections, or perfecting mechanisms, are all arranged on one level or floor 2 and preferably in line, with their cylinders parallel; suflicient space being left between each pair of ad acent sections to enable the pres'sman to safely pass between them so that he can pack the impression cylinders, plate the press, adjust the inking mechanisms, and thread the webs without having to climb into or over any printing section.

Each printing section is supplied with web from an overhead roll. Preferably all the web rolls are assembled on one level or floor 3 above the printing sections, so that the web rolls can be readily handled on that level without interfering with the operation of the printing sections on the level below. Each webroll is mounted in proper supports, not shown, which may be constructed as usual; and the web rolls are preferably located directly over the related printing sections. The web from each roll is led vertically downward through the floor 3 to the related printing section directly beneath such roll as indicated in the drawings; and after being printed the web is led from such printing section vertically downward through the floor 2 to folding mechanism disposed on one level or floor 1 below the printing section level as indicated in the drawings.

The web rolls for the several printing sections are shown at W to N respectively. and the web (10 to w" inclusive) for each printing section may be guided alike from the web roll to the folder.

For example, the web 20 could be led from roll V on the paper level 3 down past guides g. g in the paper room into the printing level. passing preferably vertically downward from roll 9' to a guide roll 9 in the printing level. and then passed successively between the plate and'impression ylinders of the related printing section 4, and after it'is perfected is passed over a guide 7 and then led vertically downwardly to a guide 9 in the folder level below the printing level, and from the guide g the web mav be led to the desired folder as hereinafter explained. Fach web is led to. through and from its related one of the twelve printing sections in the manner described, and as illustrated in the-drawings.

in connection with the twelve printing sections. I have illustrated six folders arranged in the fol ing level 1 beneath theprinting level 2. These folders may be of any suitable construction; each is preferably provided with a head roller 7. an auxiliary head roller f. a former f folding rolls 7' and cutting and collecting cylinders f these being well known. and operating as usual, do not require any detailed explanation herein.

The mechanical cbnstruction of the press and arrangement of parts will be readily understood by one skilled in the art from the diagrammatic drawings, and as the specific construction of the particular feed mechanisms in the paper level 3; or of the printing sections in the printing level 2,'

or of the folders in the folding level 1, is not a feature of the present invention and not claimed herein it is not necessary to illustrate the various parts in detail.

I have not illustrated means for driving the sections, as many such are well known, and would be readily supplied by a press constructor, and he would also readily understand that the drive should preferably be such as would enable all or any desired number of the printing sections and related folders to be driven synchronously. Such devices are so common and well understood in the art that detailed explanation and illus tration thereof is unnecessary.

As shown, folder F is arranged slightly in advance of printing section 3; folder F slightly in advance of printing section 4; folder F slightly in advance of printing section 7 folder F slightly in advance of printing section 9; folder F slightly in advance of printing sect-ion 10; and folder F in advance of printing section 12. The folders might be otherwise arranged; they are preferably in line and arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane.

As shown there are twelve sets of web deflectors or angle bars, (T' to T inclusive), one for each printing section (1 to 12 inclusive); and each printed web after being led into'the folder level may pass directly over the related guide g and then to the folder or pass over a web deflector before passing to the folder.

eferring to web 10 for example. if the web is only two pages wide it could pass direct from the guide 9* over guide to the folder F -or F according to whether the press is being operated to produce octuple, sextuple or quad products. If it is a wide web it would'be split. in the usual manner. and one section of the web could be led direct from guide over guide 9 to folder F (or F and the other section of the web could be turned over the related angle bars T and associated with the first half and led therewith to the folder F (or F according to the manner in which the press is being operated.

In this press all the webs run practically in the same direction and downward; and all the webs run alike from the web rolls in the paper level 3 to and through the printing sections in the printing level 2 to the related guides g in the folder level 1.

The web deflectors or sets of angle bars (TT are preferably set at slight angles as indicated, the angle bars pointing toward the drag rollers at the top of the related folders. This is to insure good running of the webs, and avoids running the webs over rollers before passing on to the drag rollers After the lowermost web of any associated set of webs is led to the desired folder the other webs to be associated therewith can be readily guided by the lowermost web into the folder.

The above described press is very simple in arrangement of parts; the webs can be easily handled; and there are comparatively few idle guides over which the webs pass, which greatly enhances the safe running of the webs.

The parts are preferably so arranged that the webs can be run straight into the folders without side deflection, and the products cross-associated rather than run over angle bars.

The drawings indicate double width printing sections, but I do not consider the in vention restricted to double width sections, as the cylinders may be two-plate, threeplate, four-plate or five-plate wide according' to the requirements of the press owner.

When double width webs are used I prefer to use a double set of folders arranged side by side, so that if desired each half of the wide webs can be run straight into the related folder, without deflection over angle bars.

This novel press provides a series of printing sections arranged in such relation to a series of folders that any combination of printing sections desired can deliver their product to any desired folder, or to any set of folders, in large or small deliveries.

As shown in Fig. 2 the webs from sections 1 and 2 can be led to folder F; webs from sections 3 and 4 to folder F webs from sections 5 and 6 to folder F webs from sections 7 and 8 to folder F webs from sections 9 and 10 to folder F and webs from sections 11 and 12 to folder F. In such case the press shown, when operating at full capacity, would produce a product equivalent to that of six quad presses.

As shown in Fig. 3 the webs from sections 1, 2 and 3 could be led to folder F webs from sections 4, 5, and 6 to folder F ywebs from sections 7 8 and 9 to folder F; and webs from sections 10, 11 and 12 to folder F and in such case the press shown, when operating at full capacity, would produce a product equal to that of four sextuple presses.

In Figure 1, the webs from sections 1 to 4% are led to folder F webs from sections 5 to 8 to folder F and webs from sections 9 to 12 to folder F. In such case the press shown when operating at full capacity, would produce a productequal to that of three octuple presses.

By simply changing the leads of the webs to the folders the press can be operated 'so as to produce products equal to those of a multiple of quadruple, sextuple, or octuple presses. By varying the leads of the webs the press can be readily caused to produce simultaneously a number of papers of different sizes. It is not necessary to run all the printing sections and webs to produce only quads, sextuples, or octuples at any one time. The folders can be varied in number. The folders may be so placed that the webs from the various printing sections can be led to the folders to produce an all quad product; or an all sextuple product; or an all octuple product; or two sextuples and an octuple; or four quads and an octuple; or three quads and two sext-uples; or two quads and two octuples; or one quad, two sextuples and an octuple, etc.

A battery of ordinary sextuple presses, for instance, having a total printing capacity equal to my press would not be able to deliver the variety of products that can be obtained with my press, as such sextuple presses would print sextuple products and nothing else. With my press I can combine the printing sections to produce sextuple products when wanted; and if larger products are wanted by re-arranging the web leads and assembling the products of the printing sections in a different way, I can obtain quad or octuple products from the same printing equipment. This flexibility of product would be of great advantage to large newspaper publishers who ordinarily wish to print regular issues, but on Sundays or for special occasions, wish to print much larger products in one or another combination. The webs from the different printing sections may be led to different folders in a great variety of ways according to the products desired and the manner in which the press is being operated.

By having the printing sections arranged in series as shown all the printing sections can be brought closely together and still leave suflicient room between them for the operators. This is impossible on the usual forms of decker presses. With the entire arrangement as shown all the paper supply and storage are contained on the upper or third level; all'the printing on the second level; and all the folding on the first or mailing level or floor; as the room in which the folders are can be the mailing room.

As indicated by printing section 13 a press of this construction could be extended to any capacity. I have, however, confined the description to the handling of webs from twelve printing sections; and while the three figures show the leads for quadruple, sextuple, or octuple runs 1 do not confine myself to twelve printing sections, as the press could be expanded to any -de llO sired number of printing sections the web supplies, and folding mechanisms being proportionately increased.

What I claim is:

1. In combination, a plurality of separate spaced printing units on one level; a corresponding plurality of web supplies on another level; a plurality of folding units on another level parallel with the printing level and at the side thereof opposite the web supply level; the said levels being in parallel planes and sufficiently spaced apart to permit free access to the web supplies, the printing units, or the folding units, on their respective levels, Without obstructing access to or interfering with mechanisms on the other levels; and means for directing the webs from the web supplies to and through the respective printing units; and thence to the desired folding units.

2. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim' 1; means on the folder level whereby the printed webs may be variously associated and directed to same or different folders according to the product desired.

3. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 1; web deflectors on the folding level interposed between the printing sections and the folding mechanisms; and means on the folding level whereby the printed webs may be variously associated and directed to same or different folders either direct, or over the deflectors, aocording to the product desired.

at. In combination, a plurality of rotary printing units arranged in line on one level; a corresponding plurality of paper supplies arranged in line on one level above the printing units level; a plurality of folding units arranged in line on another level below the printing units level; the said levels being in parallel planes and spaced apart to permit free access to the paper supplies, the printing units or the folding units on their respective levels without obstructing access to or interfering with mechanisms on the other levels; and means for directing webs downwardly from the web supplies to the respective printing units and thence downwardly to the folding units, whereby the travel of the web is facilitated by gravit 5. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 4:; means below the printing units whereby the printed webs may be variously associated and directed to the same folder or to difierent folders below the printing level according to the product desired substantially as described.

6. In combination, a plurality of printing sections on one floor; a plurality of web supply means arranged on anotherfloor; and a plurality of folding mechanisms arranged on another floor; with means for directing webs from the web supply means on their floor to the respective printing sec-- tions on their floor, and thence to the folding mechanisms on their floor.

7. In combination, a plurality of printing sections on one floor; a plurality of we supply means arranged on another floor; and a plurality of folding mechanisms arranged on another floor below the printing sectlons; with a plurality of web deflectors arranged intermediate the printing sections and folding mechanisms; and means for di recting webs from the web supply means on their floor to the respective printing sections on their floor and thence direct, or over the deflectors, to the folding mechanisms on their floor.

8. In combination, a plurality of printing sections arran ed on one floor; a plurality of paper supp ying means arranged on one floor above the printing sections; a plurality of folding mechanisms arranged on one floor below the printing sections floor; and means for directing webs downwardly from the several web supplying means through their floor to the respective printing sections on the underlying fioor, and thence downwardly through the printing sections floor to the folding mechanisms, whereby the travel of the web is facilitated by gravity.

9. In combination, a plurality of similar rotar 7 perfecting printing sections arranged side y side on one floor, with their cylinders in axial parallelism; a plurality of similar web supplies arranged on another floor above the printing floor; a plurality of similar folders arranged on another floor below the printing floor; and guides whereby webs may be directed from the web supplies downwardly through the floor to the printing sections, and thence downwardly through the floor to the folders, whereby the travel.

of the web is facilitated by gravity.

1 0. In combination; printing means in one room; web supply means in another room; and folding means in another room; and means for directing webs through openings in the floor from the web supply means to the printing means and thence through openings in the floor to the folding means, substantially as described.

11. In combination, a series of rotary printing sections in one room; a series of paper supply means arranged in another room above the printing room; a plurality of folding mechanisms arranged in another room below the printing room; and means for directing webs downwardly from the web supply room through the floor to the printing sections in the printing room, and thence downwardly through the floor to the folders in the folder room, substantially as described.

12. In combination, a series of similar per fecting printing sections arranged in one room with their cylinders in axial parallelof web deflectors arranged in the folder tsetse? ism; a series of web supplies arranged in another room above the printing room; a

plurality of folders arranged another ranged in another room; and means for directing webs from the web supply means through the floor to the printing sections in the printing room, and thence through the floor to the folding mechanisms in the folding room; with means in the folding room whereby the printed webs may be variously associated and directed to the same folder or to different folders according to the prodnot desired, substantially as described.

14:. In combination,a series of similar perfecting printing sections arranged side by side and in line on one floor, with their cylinders in axial parallelism; a series of web supplies arranged on another floor above the printing floor; aplurality of folders arranged on another floor below the printing floor; guides whereby webs may be directed from the web supplies downwardly through the floor to the printing sections, and thence downwardly through the floor to the folding sections; and means whereby the webs may be directed to the desired folders, substantially as described.

15. In printing press, a series of printing sections in one room; a series of paper supply means arranged in another room; a plurality of folding mechanisms arranged in another room; a plurality of web deflectors arranged in the folder room; and means for directing webs throu h the floor of the web supply room from the web supplies to the respective printing sections and thence through the door of the printing room to the related deflectors andfolders, substantially as described.

1 6. In a printing press, a series of rotary printing sections on one level in one room,

a series of paper supply means arranged in line on another level in another room above :the printing room; a plurality of folding mechanisms arran ed in line in another item: below the printing room; a'plurality room; and means for directing webs clownwardly from the web supply room to the respective printing sections in the printing room and thence downwardly to the related deflectors and folders in the folder room, substantially as described,

17. In a printing press, a series of similar perfecting printing sections arranged in one room with their cylinders in axial parallelism; a series of web supplies arranged in another room above the printing room; a plurality of folders arranged in an other room below the printing room; a. plurality of web deflectors arranged in the folder room; and guides whereby webs may be directed from the web supplies downwardly to the printing sections, and thence downwardly to the related deflectors and folders, substantially as described.

18. In a printing press, a series of rotary printing sections in one room; a series of paper supplying means arranged in another room above the printing'rooin; a series of folding mechanisms arranged in another room below the printing room; and means for directing webs downwardly from the web supply means in the upper room to the respective printing sections in the printing room and thence downwardly to the folding mechanisms in the folding room; with means in the folding room whereby the printed webs may be variously associated and directed to the seinev folder or to different folders in the folding room accord ing to the product desired, substantially as described.

19. A rotary press comprising a series of similar perfecting printing sections arranged side b side and in line on one floor, with their cylinders in axial parallelism; a series of web supplies arranged on another lioor above the printing floor; a plurality of folders arranged on another llooi' below the printing floor; a plurality of web deflectors or angle bars, one for each printing wction, arranged in the folder room below the printing floor; guides whereby webs may be di rented from the web supplies downwardly to the printing sections, and thence downs weirdly to the folding sections; and guides below the printing sections whereby the webs maybe led either direct, or over the defiec= tors to the desired folders, substantially described. I e

in testimony that I claim theforegoing' as my own, I aflix any signature.

Ill? 

